100 years ago today - Aug 25, 1917

[Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, and Heber J. Grant]
With the purpose of quieting certain rumors now in circulation among members of the Church, from which rumors wrongful inferences may be drawn as to the established order and practises of the Church, we feel constrained to issue this statement, deeply as we deplore the necessity of so doing, inasmuch as the name of one now deceased is involved.

It is a matter of public knowledge that the late John W. Taylor, once a member of the Council of the Twelve, was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by the solemn and official action of the Council.

Notwithstanding all the reports to the contrary, we hereby certify that the excommunication has never been revoked, rescinded, nor in any way modified; and that the said John W. Taylor has not been restored to membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Rumors of his rebaptism had been spread by former apostle Matthias Cowley, who had been discplined at the same time as Taylor]